Tulane has a combined record of 29-17-2 against military institutions Air Force, Army, Navy, The Citadel, and Virginia Military Institute in the past 74 years. Tulane leads the Army series 8-7-1, but has not had much success at West Point (3-5 on the road). The Green Wave leads the series with Navy (11-7-1), VMI (5-0) and The Citadel (2-0), and is tied with Air Force (3-3).

Big plays from unexpected source

Tulane has worried about linebacker depth, and its fears were realized in the first half of the McNeese State game when David Kirksey injured an abdominal muscle. Freshman Austen Jacks replaced him. "Originally they told me they were going to redshirt me. Injuries happen, and I had to step right in there, " Jacks said.

Jacks got a sack on his first play. "Really, I was kind of in disbelief, but it was awesome, " Jacks said. "Not too many people get to say that."

Kirksey said he thinks he will be ready to reclaim his starting spot at West Point, but he is listed as questionable.

Can Tulane get healthy?

Defensive lineman Casey Blum tore his ACL before the McNeese game in warmups on a pass-rush drill.

"I felt bad because his parents came all the way from California to watch him play, and (he) blew it out, " Toledo said. "He will get surgery here in the next week or so as soon as it calms down. He is out for the season."

Linebacker Cody Ledford is recovering from a torn MCL. "He'll be out, and I don't know if he'll be able to return, " Toledo said. "If not, then we'll probably end up redshirting him -- he played two games."

Fullback Kasey Stelly still has what Toledo describes as a shoulder stinger. "It appears that he's very doubtful for this football game, " he said.

Picks

Sgt. Terrence Taylor, U.S. Army recruiter at the City Park Avenue office: Army, 17-13. "The reason being: Tulane's defense is suspect. They can't stop the run."